St Stephen's Day 2005Andalucia in Glemsford

From Spain to Egypt

For the second year running, Glemsford's Boxing Day echoed to the sound not only of clashing
Morris sticks, swishingly starched hankies and leg-bells akimbo, but also to the unmistakeable click and clatter which is so redolent of
Andalusia.

Some people of course believe that "Morris" is a corruption of the word "Morisco", and that our white-clad
heroes themselves are maintaining a tradition developed by Iberian people, heavily influenced by North Africa.

Whatever the truth of this, it is certainly a delight to see such vivid colour and movement on a cold winter's day. Our grateful thanks to the
Spanish Ladies. We hope this is yet another tradition-in-the-making.

See you next year.

I can do no worse here than quote Simón el Rubio
(http://www.andalucia.com/flamenco/whatis.htm):
"Flamenco today is made up of the song (cante), the dance (baile), the guitar (toque) and extra elements of
rhythmic accompaniment, such as handclapping (palmas), finger snapping (pitos), tongue clicking and even
knuckle bashing on a tabletop. Castanets - a Spanish-classical influence - are also played in some dances and
performers often shout words of encouragement known as jaleo. During quieter moments and with a bottle of sherry
on the table, there may be recitation of poetry with or without guitar accompaniment. "